SPRINGFIELD — Playing in their home gym in front of an overflow crowd estimated at 1,800 people, the Effingham County girls basketball team didn’t disappoint Saturday night, winning the Region 3-AAAAA tournament title 50-42 over Glynn Academy.

The Rebels won behind a combination of experienced veterans complemented by talented underclassmen.

“I’m real proud of the composure the girls showed down the stretch,” said Effingham coach Curtis Stevens, in his second year leading the Rebels. “We made our free throws and executed when we needed to. I thought we had a chance to be good at the start of the season, and I’m glad we are playing our best basketball come tournament time.

Sophomore Kyesha Lewis got Effingham started by powering a shot up off the glass and then converting the old-fashioned 3-pointer. The bucket helped ignite a 10-0 run to start the game for the Rebels.

Williams scored a game-high 16 points.

“We went out there and played our game tonight,” Lewis said. “We made it this far, and we didn’t want to lose this game in our house. We won it by playing team defense and sharing the ball on offense.

Senior Maddie Evans helped out with a 3-pointer from the left corner and knocked down a pair from beyond the arc in the first half. Evans came up with a big steal when Glynn Academy had closed the deficit to 45-40 with two minutes remaining.

“Maddie knows how to play in every situation,” Stevens said. “She’s the ultimate leader out there. It’s like having another coach on the court.”

Sophomore Ebony Hicklen (six points) made an immediate impact off the bench with a quick steal leading to a coast-to-coast layup. The Rebels led 27-17 at the half.

Junior Jakayvea Akins came up big down the stretch, scoring nine of her 12 points in the second half. She was named the tournament MVP and presented with a trophy after the game.

Evans and Lewis were also named to the All-Region team. Aliyah Williams added eight points for the Rebels.

Kayla Kelly led Glynn Academy with nine points.

Stevens said Effingham will host its first round Class AAAAA playoff game Wednesday in a doubleheader with the boys team against a team to be announced.